ushernet Chapter 81: I want to cheat you
Chapter 81: I want to cheat you
Chapter 81: I want to cheat you
Until the movie ended, Xu Qing didn’t get his wish.
His simple hope of playing with her hand a little in the dark theater had fallen flat.
As the audience left and the lights in the theater came back on, couples in the corner naturally held hands and walked out together.
“Let’s go.”
Xu Qing got up with his half-finished bottle of mineral water and half a bucket of popcorn. Eating it at home while idly snacking seemed better than in the theater.
But what on earth was Jiang He thinking?
Was the movie too intense for her?
It shouldn’t be... He had felt a lot the first time he saw it, but it was hard to imagine Jiang He would have the same reaction.
“Do you... do you really like my hand?”
Jiang He, who had been silent, spoke softly once they were outside the theater.@@@@
“Huh?”
Xu Qing, who had been wondering what was on her mind, froze. “I guess... you could say that.”
It wasn’t like he had a thing for hands. He just wanted to hold her hand...
Anything more, and he might get punched.
“Then you can hold it.” Jiang He squeezed the little bear she was holding, then gathered the courage to stretch out her hand.
Xu Qing was still confused, but he didn’t hesitate. He tentatively took her hand.
What did this mean?
First, she let him hold her hand, then at the theater, she didn’t let him touch her. Now, she was offering her hand again...
What was going on?
Seeing Jiang He pursing her lips and turning her head, Xu Qing had a gut feeling that something was up. Maybe she’d just been through a complex mental struggle.
Sometimes her thought process was too strange for him to figure out.
It was a deep winter afternoon. After the movie, the two of them strolled aimlessly down the street.
“Did you like the movie?” Xu Qing decided not to ask about her earlier dilemma — even if he did, he probably wouldn’t get an answer. Better to skip it. At least she hadn’t punched the bear in frustration.
“A worldview is even more complex. I’ve been teaching you my worldview to give you a foundation. The old Kaiyuan-era mindset can be tossed out... It’s going smoothly so far. You’re learning and adapting well.”
He sighed. “But to complete it, it’ll take a long time. During that time, it’d be easy for me to deceive you.”
“Then... just deceive me,” Jiang He murmured.
So far, she hadn’t been hurt. In fact, she was living well. It was better than wandering the streets, hungry and cold, clutching a sword. She didn’t even know how to leave the city. That day, after riding for ages, they were still in Jiang City.
If things could stay this way...
She froze, shaking her head vigorously. How could she think like that?
If she noticed any sinister intent in Xu Qing, she had to leave immediately. Second Boss would understand.
Jiang He silently made up her mind as Xu Qing held her hand.
Her shaking head made Xu Qing laugh. “What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking about how you’re deceiving me.” Jiang He paused. “I’m broke, and you won’t even take my bits of silver...”
Her eyes landed on her hand mid-sentence, and she turned her head to hide her expression.
This was just about experiencing life and keeping an eye on him for any ulterior motives. Second Boss would understand...
“Silver isn’t worth much. Bring me some gold, and I might take it.” Xu Qing joked. “Back to what I was saying... Oh right, I could easily deceive you, but there’s a twist.”
“What twist?”
“That I like you.” Xu Qing tightened his grip on her hand. “If I take advantage of your confusion and make you think you like me too, it wouldn’t be fair. But I can’t help wanting to be close to you, like holding your hand.”
He looked at her profile and slowly stopped walking. “That’s why I want you to understand this world quickly, mature, and be able to tell the difference between gratitude and real feelings. Then it won’t be a problem.”
“...”
Jiang He opened her mouth but didn’t know how to respond.
She was getting used to him talking about ‘liking’ her, but his sincere gaze still made her palms sweat.
“But... it’ll take so long. Waiting for you to reach that point is too slow.”
Xu Qing squeezed her hand gently. “I want to trick you sometimes, but... can you not hit me?”
“You... you...”
Jiang He struggled for words.
How was she supposed to respond to that?